EHM EA: Boston Bruins from 1974 on

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In the early 70s, the Boston Bruins were the kings of New England, and the toasts of the hockey world. They were known as the big bad bruins. They won the Stanley Cup in 1970 and again in 1972, and reached the finals in 1974 before losing to the Philadelphia Flyers.


Back in the early 70s, the Bruins held their pre-season training camp in Fitchburg, a former paper, tool works and clothing milltown on the banks of the Nashua River, about an hour or so outside of Boston in Central Massachusetts.





Today the Boston Bruins are plreased to announce the hiring of Sal Bitonti as our new GM, replacing the great Harry Sinden. Sal takes over a team with 5 Stanley Cup titles to its name, as well as a storied and victorious past. The last title came back in 1972. Coming off a disappointing defeat to the Philadelphia Flyers in the finals of 1974, the board is expecting no less than the playoffs again this season.





The team currently plays in the prestigious Boston Gardens Arena. The current capacity is 15,003.





The head coach of the 1974 Bruins is Don Cherry. The rookie head coach takes over the big club after coaching the Rochester American's for the last 3 seasons winning AHL coach of the year last season.









The star players of the Bruins include forwards Johnny Bucyk, Phil Esposito, defenseman Bobby Orr, and goalie Gilles Gilbert. Bucyk is the oldest of the bunch at 39 years old, and will continue to be team captain going forward.



The 3 main rivals of the Bruins are:


Montreal Canadians





New England Whalers





New York Rangers

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Boston Bruins 1974-75 Team Report:



Our top prospect Mike Milbury will get called up for training camp, and should be able to make the team early on in the year.

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A final total of 11,364 season tickets have been sold for the upcoming season. The team went 4-1 in exhibitions leading up to the start of the season, beating Montreal 4-2, NYR 5-2, Toronto 3-0, Chicago 3-2 and getting shut out by Philly 3-0 in the final tuneup game. I will be using my own team/player tactics, while the HC Don Cherry will be coaching all games himself.

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1974 Season Preview:



We are ranked fifth overall by the pundits, and the Flyers are obviously the team to beat. With our attacking style of play we should be able to go deep in the playoffs. Let the games begin.

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1974 Roster & Lines:



Very happy with the depth of my team, as we have alot of players that can put the puck in the net. Mike Milbury made the opening day roster, and should add much needed enforcer help on the back end.

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Top 10 players for each positions & Top 10 prospects in 1974:

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First 10 games of the season:







Started off hot out the gates winning my first 5 games. Lost Bobby Orr game 5 for 3 months with a broken shin. Had to waive Darryl Edestrand (claimed by the Bulls) before the start of the year to lower my finances, so called up Al Simmons to cover for Orr. All things considering, im very happy with how things are going as we sit 3rd overall in the league, and Hodge/Esposito are top 10 in points overall. Getting tremendous goaltending from Gilbert, as he is third in wins with 7.

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First 20 games of the season:











The winning ways continue without Orr who will be back in 1 months time! Hodge and Esposito are now top 5 in league scoring, Gilbert is still third in win's. Still sitting third overall in the league, tied with the LA Kings.

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First 30 games of the season:







Montreal and Philly are starting to run away at the top of the standings. LA has shot up 2 second overall in the league, and I have shot down to 9th. Ken Hodge is 3 points back of Guy Lafleur with 36 points, and Esposito is hanging around with 33. Ken Dryden has an amazing 0.96 GAA average and is tied with Tony Esposito with 7 shutouts! Bobby Orr is training lightly and is day to day!

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First 40 games of the season:











We are on a 3 game losing streak, but Orr is back at 100%. Every department on our team should improve because of it. Phil Esposito has jumped ahead of Ken Hodge in points with 41. The Vezina race is heating up as Tony Esposito now has 10 shutouts, to Dryden's 8.

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First 50 games of the season:







Since Orr's return, the team has caught fire going 8-1-1 in last 10, but the Flyers and Canadian's have pulled away big time. Bobby Schmautz has passed Ken Hodge in league scoring, and sits 10th overall. Solid backup goaltending play in back to back games from Ken Broderick has been inspiring. Gilles Gilbert and Phil Esposito got selected to represent the East in the All Star game.

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First 60 games of the season:











Finished the last 10 games 8-0-2. Suspensions galore these last 10 games, but our team prevailed through adversity. Will be very happy to keep a top 4 place in our conference, as I like our chances come playoff time against the bottom 4.

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First 70 games of the season:







We slipped up going 5-5 in the last 10 games, allowing Toronto to get into that all important 4th seed. Bobby Orr was out for a week with another injury, and we were leaking goals left,right,and center. With only 12 games remaining, this is an absolute nail biter to the very end!

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82 games regular season end:











Well we got through 82 games right where I expected us to be in the end. We get a red hot Buffalo team in the first round of the playoffs, and hopefully home ice advantage can be used to our advantage Philly suffered a major blow when Bernie Parent injuring his UCL and will be lost for the entire playoff series.

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1974-75 Playoff Bracket:

Round 1

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Round 1 conclusion:

Buffalo came into our barn and won the first game 2-0. Solid play from Bobby Orr and Gilles Gilbert helped us sweep the next 4 games, ending this series in 5 games. Round 2 has us against the tough Montreal Canadians.

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1974-75 Playoff bracket:

Round 2

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Round 2 conclusion:

In a grudge match amongst fiercest of rivalries, the Boston Bruins defied all odd's and knocked off the Montreal Canadians in 6 games. Next up in the semi's if the Philadelphia Flyers!

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1974-75 Playoff bracket:

Round 3

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Round 3 conclusion:

In what was a good match-up on paper, was the complete opposite. The Boston Bruins took advantage of Parent's absence and crushed the Flyer's in 4 games, advancing to the Stanley Cup Final's against the LA Kings who also swept the Jet's in 4.

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1974-75 Playoff bracket:

Stanley Cup Final

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Stanley Cup Final conclusion:



In what was supposed to be an excellent end to the 1974-75 season for the Bruin's, the LA Kings showed true class in the final's, sweeping the Bruin's in the series 4-0. It has been a memorable start to the coaching tenure of Don Cherry, and no doubt next season the Bruin's will do all they can to get back to the Final's. Led by rookie GM Sal Bitonti, the Bruin's are going to be a force to be reckoned with for many years to come.

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1975 NHL DRAFT PICKS:

Round 1 # 24 - C Kent Nilsson

Round 2 # 54 - D Craig Norwich

Round 3 # 84 - LW Jimmy Bennett

Round 4 # 114 - G Kari Kaupinsalo

Round 5 # 144 - C Mikko Leinonen

Round 6 # 174 - C/RW Jon Fontas

Round 7 # 204 - LW Jari Kaski

The Bruins were pleased to have Nilsson fall to them at 24. Nilsson is a dynamic Center out of Djurgarden in Sweden. He posseses a laser wrist shot, speed and playmaking ability. Will be brought over to the NHL immediately. Peter Stastny who was also high on there want list in the first round went a pick before to the Sabres. Second pick Craig Norwich out of Wisconsin is another offensive defenseman that has excellent passing skills. He will be groomed slowly before making the leap to the next level. Jimmy Bennett is an intriguing 17 year old winger with a tireless motor. Could prove to be a very good third line winger as a pro. G Kari Kaupinsalo is another young 17 year old net-minder from Finland that has lightning reflexes and should continue to develop well before the Bruins look at him a few years down the line. Mikko Leinonen is another Finnish player that is lightning quick and has alot of skill for a 19 year old. Time will tell to see where he fits in with the Bruins in a few years time. 6th round pick Jon Fontas has a gritty 2-way forward that needs to improve in the defensive end, but has plenty of offensive talent. Jari Kaski was the last pick of the Bruins, and is the oldest of the bunch at 21. Kaski featured for the finnish national program last year 9 times, accumulating 5 points. Many fear he will not be able to adjust to life in America. This pick is hit and miss.

Notable 1st Round Picks:

The Capitals took Barry Beck first overall, allowing Whalers fan to jump for joy as Mike Bossy fell to them at #2. Varnakov got picked by the Senators at 3, Rod Langway went #5 overall to the Cowboys. Doug Wilson fell to #13 and was picked by the Edmonton Oilers. American Joe Mullen went to Detroit at 20, Peter Stastny to Buffalo at 23, and the Stanley cup champion Kings selected defenseman Keith Hanson at 30.

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1974-75 Year End Awards:

The year end awards were announced today, and these are the winners:

Art Ross Trophy: Guy Lafleur

Rocket Richard Trophy: Guy Lafleur

Lester B. Pearson Award: Ken Dryden

Norris Trophy: Serge Savard

Vezina Trophy: Ken Dryden

Jennings Trophy: Ken Dryden

Roger Crozier Saving Grace Award: Ken Dryden

Selke Trophy: Jacques Lemaire

Calder Trophy: Anders Hedberg

Lady Byng Trophy: Bobby Hull

Clancy Memorial Trophy: Guy Lafleur

Lester Patrick Trophy: Henri Richard

Jack Adams Trophy: Bob Pulford

Plus-Minus Award Winner: Guy Lafleur

Hart Trophy: Guy Lafleur

Conn Smyth Trophy: Roggie Vachon

Bill Masterton Trophy: Darryl Sittler

NHL First All Star Team Selection: Phil Esposito

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Boston Bruins Fans Player of The Year:



Phil Esposito finished the year with 96 points, having scored 33 goals, 63 assists, and racking up 56 penalty minutes. Esposito played all games during the season and playoffs as well.

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Bruins sign first round pick:

Today the Boston Bruins are proud to announce that they have signed first round pick Kent Nilsson to a 3 year ELC deal. Nilsson has joined up with the team, and has started practicing with his teammates before training camp starts.



Board Expectations:

The board is delighted with GM Bitonti's progress so far. With the team still intact, they are focused on making the playoffs against for the 1975-76 season.

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Ken Broderick re-signs:



The team announced that UFA Ken Broderick has signed a new deal that will keep his as the team's backup behind Gilles Gilbert till 1977. Broderick filled in admirably last year when called upon, notching 8 wins.

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Hall of Fame Induction:

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Boston Bruins 1975-76 Team Report:

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A total of 10463 season tickets have been sold for the upcoming season. The Bruins played a total of 6 exhibition games leading up to the start of the 1975-76 season. First game loss to Philadelphia 3-2. Second game 3-0 victory over the jets. Third game 7-2 loss to the Canadians, Fourth game 3-1 win over the Sabres, follwed by by a 6-5 win over the Kings, and lastly a 3-1 loss to the NYR.

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1975 Season Preview:



The Bruins after making the final's last season, have fell down to #10 on the list. MVP selection is Bobby Orr, and our key arrival is Ken Nilsson.

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1975 Roster & Lines:



With a few more tweeks to players personal tactics, we should have no problems making the playoffs this year. We will be playing with the same tactics as last, and Don Cherry will be coaching every game again. Hoping that Bobby Orr plays way more games than last year, and intrigued to see how Nilsson does in first year in the league

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Top 10 players for each positions & Top 10 prospects in 1975:

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First 10 games of the season:







Off to another hot start, with all 4 lines on offense and 3 lines on defense firing on all cylinders. Bobby Orr is a monster sitting 8th in league scoring with an AVR of 9.30. Phil Esposito just hit a milestone surpassing 500 career goals sitting at 501. Rookie Kent Nilsson is playing well so far through 10 games!

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First 20 games of the season:











Excellent play continues as we sit 3rd in the league overall in points. Bobby Orr hit a milestone reaching the 600 games mark, sitting at 605 for his career. Gilles Gilbert sits second in wins, but has 2 more shutouts than Tony Esposito, and is playing like a Vezina candidate so far.

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First 30 games of the season:







8-2 in the last 10. Keeping pace with the big boys. Phil Esposito is second in league scoring, 1 point behind Lafleur. Gilles Gilbert leads the league in wins and shutouts.

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First 40 games of the season:











The Canucks offered a package of 3 players and 2 draft picks for Gilles Gilbert, and were swiftly declined. New contracts were accepted by Millbury who's new deal lasts until 1977. Ken Hodge was also signed on a long term deal and will be with the club until 1980. Long term contracts have also been offered to UFA'S Orr and Esposito with hopes the deals get done in the next few days. Assistant coach's and scouts were also signed to long term deals, keeping the staff in place for seasons to come.

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First 50 games of the season:







We barely got over .500 in the last 10 games finishing them with a 6-4 record. Esposito and Orr signed for big money on new 4 year deals. Many milestones were accomplished as well. Wayne Cashman reached 400 points, Gilles Gilbert played his 200th career game, Vadnais reached 1000 penalty minutes, Ken Hodge reached 700 career points, Al Sims and Andre Saved reached there 200th career game, Bobby Schmautz reached 300 career points, Esposito played his 900th career game, and Bobby Orr reached 600 assists. Esposito now leads the league in scoring, and Gilles Gilbert is tied with Parent in wins with 33.

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First 60 games of the season:











Managed to go 7-3 in the last 10 games to stay within 4 points of Philly in the conference. Bobby Orr got called up for Team Canada and helped lead them to Olympic Gold. Mike Milbury and Ken Hodge made team USA, and rookie Nilsson played some good minutes for Team Sweden. A few more milestones were achieved as well with Esposito surpassing 1200 career points, and Carol Vadnais surpassing 600 career games. With just over 20 games left, I hope the excellent play continues.

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First 70 games of the season:







Wow we are on a 10 game win streak heading into the final stretch of the season. This team is incredible right now, and hopefully we have enough to hoist Lord Stanley at the end. Even more milestones were reached as Terry O'Reilly played in his 300th career game, Dave Forbes played in his 200th, and Gregg Sheppard hit 200 career points. Gilles Gilbert is leading the league with 47 wins and 15 shutouts. Bernie Parent has 45 and 13 respectively.

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First 82 games of the season:











We managed to outplay the Flyer's in the last 12 games of the season to lock up the #2 seed. The team is suspension and injury free heading into the first round of the playoffs for a matchup against #7 seed Birmingham Bulls. Guy Lafleur won the scoring race again, and Bobby Orr finished second behind Serge Savard for top d-men points. Gilles Gilbert finished first in wins, and tied Parent in shutouts with 15. Some more Milestones of note include Wayne Cashman playing in his 600th career game, Don Marcotte got his 300th career point, and Ken Hodge played in his 800th career game.

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1975-76 Playoff Bracket:

Round 1

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Round 1 conclusion:

The Bruin's dismantled the Bull's in 4 games to set up a second round showdown with the Flyer's. No doubt Don Cherry will have to get the best out of his players to get into the Eastern Conference Final.

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1975-76 Playoff Bracket:

Round 2

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Round 2 conclusion:

The Bruin's were no match for the high powered Flyer's, and were eliminated 4-1. Injuries and suspensions hurt the Bruin's, as Cashman and Sheppard missed most of the games, and Orr was suspended for 3 games. GM Bitonti will certainly be looking at making a few changes in the off-season.

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1975-76 Playoff Bracket:

Round 3

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Round 3 conclusion:

Led by Ken Dryden, the Canadians swept the Flyer's in 4 games and showed why they are a true powerhouse of the NHL. Chicago had a 3-1 lead over the defending champion's King's, but the King's managed to come back and win the series in 7 games, pitting the top 2 teams against each other in what should be an exciting Final!

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1975-76 Playoff Bracket:

Stanley Cup Final

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Stanley Cup Final conclusion:



The Montreal Canadians hoisted the Stanley Cup for the 18th time in team history. LA jumped out to a 1-0 series lead, but a Butch Goring suspension proved fatal, as Montreal swept the next 4 games.